12.07.17

Joseph Balash to Play Critical Role in Coal Country

‘Soon, the Senate will consider the nomination of Joseph Balash to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management. Through his career in both state government as the Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources and his service here in the United States Senate, Mr. Balash has shown his talent and passion for affordable sources of energy and environmental protection.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the president’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management, Joseph Balash:

“In addition to our important work on tax reform and to fund the government, this week the Senate is also continuing our efforts to confirm President Trump’s nominees to his administration.

“Soon, the Senate will consider the nomination of Joseph Balash to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management. Through his career in both state government as the Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources and his service here in the United States Senate, Mr. Balash has shown his talent and passion for affordable sources of energy and environmental protection. 

“The Alaska Department of Natural Resources manages one of the largest portfolios of land, water, oil, gas, renewables, timber, and minerals in the world. Mr. Balash’s leadership of the department required collaboration with many diverse stakeholders and a dedication to the protection of Alaska’s natural beauty.

“He worked closely with the Interior Department as the commissioner, and he has the skills necessary to fulfill this leadership role at the department. As the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Balash will be responsible for many of the Interior Department’s critical functions, including the management of all federal lands and waters, the management of their associated resources, and the appropriate regulation of surface coal mining.

“I look forward to working with Mr. Balash on many of these issues, especially those important to the coal miners in my home state of Kentucky. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting his nomination.”

Related Issues: Coal, Nominations